OSP Summer Internship Program

The OSP Summer Internship Program provides an opportunity for students to gain tangible science policy experience in support of the NIH mission. Interns will work side-by-side with leading policy experts to learn strategies for advancing national science and technology policy and obtain practical experience in policy analyses and development.

OSP will be hosting interns for an 8-12 week period beginning in late May/early June and lasting through August 2023. Interns will receive a stipend commensurate with their level of education. Accepted interns are not expected to relocate to the NIH campus as work will be conducted via a telework arrangement.

The 2023 Summer Internship Program is for students who

• are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, AND
• are enrolled at least half-time in an accredited university as a graduate or professional student (including PhD, MD, DDS, JD, PharmD, MS, MPH, and other programs) at the time of application*

*Individuals who are U.S. permanent residents must be attending or have been accepted into institutions in the U.S.

Individuals from racial and ethnic groups that have been underrepresented in health-related sciences; students with disabilities; students who are enrolled in Tribal Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-serving institutions, or Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs); students who identify as LGBTQ; and individuals disadvantaged by circumstances that have negatively impacted their educational opportunities, including recent natural disasters, are encouraged to apply.

Background Check: All internship offers are contingent on an individual’s ability to successfully pass a federal background check, which is required for access to NIH systems. As part of the clearance process, individuals will be asked questions about a variety of topics including citizenship, criminal history, and other personal information.

• Immediate Office of the OSP Director: This intern would work closely with OSP Senior Leadership on a variety of emerging policy projects at the intersection of science and society. In particular, this intern would work closely with OSP’s Director of Strategic Engagement to pilot novel approaches for engaging the public in policy development. Specific topic areas may include (but are not limited to) engaging communities in considering  risks and benefits of novel types and uses of data, complementary approaches to animal models for use in biomedical research, and making scientific research products equitably available.

• OSP Science Policy Coordination, Collaboration, and Reporting Division: This intern would work with the Division to compile and coordinate materials for Congressional documents and reporting, including the annual Congressional Justification. The intern would also assist in coordinating with various NIH Institutes, Centers, and Offices to compile materials about exciting scientific advances funded across the NIH. This position would also involve working with subject matter experts across OSP on other legislative-related activities, including the development of materials for the NIH Director and requests for technical assistance on Congressional language.

The application period for Summer 2023 is now open! To apply, please email SciencePolicy@od.nih.gov by January 31^st at 11:59pm ET with the following:

• Current curriculum vitae (CV) or resume (see here for additional suggested guidance)
• Cover letter detailing your interest in one available position, any relevant experience, and why you are seeking this opportunity
• A list of coursework and grades (please note we do not need official transcripts at this time)
• Two letters of reference from academic or professional contacts who can address your qualifications for this internship

Applications not containing all the documents listed above will not be considered. Candidates may be asked to participate in an interview.

Candidates will be informed of their selection by April 1, 2023.

If selected, candidates will be required to submit the following documentation:

• Official graduate/professional school transcripts
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. U.S. citizens may submit a copy of their birth certificate or passport. Permanent residents will need to provide a copy of their permanent resident (green) card.

Selected candidates will also be required to travel to the NIH campus in Bethesda, MD to receive their ID badge and laptop prior to starting the internship. Travel expenses will be covered by OSP.